The Compendium of Caraka 3.8.25

3.8.25

*prāgeva tāvadidaṃ kartuṃ yateta---sandhāya parṣadā 'ayanabhūtamātmanaḥ prakaraṇamādeśayitavyaṃ, yadvā parasya bhṛśadurgaṃ syāt, pakṣamathavā parasya bhṛśaṃ vimukhamānayet; pariṣadi copasaṃhitāyāmaśakyamasmābhirvaktum, eṣaiva te pariṣadyatheṣṭaṃ yathāyogaṃ yathābhiprāyaṃ vādaṃ vādamaryādāṃ ca sthāpayiṣyatītyuktvā tūṣṇīmāsīta//

Even beforehand, one should strive to do this: having formed an alliance with the assembly, a topic that serves as one's own advantage should be pointed out, or one that would be exceedingly difficult for the opponent; or else, one should turn the assembly completely away from the opponent's position. When the assembly has been won over, one should remain silent after saying: 'It is impossible for us to speak; this assembly itself will establish the debate and the rules of debate according to its pleasure, appropriateness, and intention.'